Westlake walk promotes abstinence awareness

March 10, 2013 at 7:40 PM CDT - Updated August 26 at 11:36 PM

WESTLAKE, LA (KPLC) - Westlake teens and their parents took part in an abstinence awareness walk early Saturday morning. The two-mile walk was organized by the non-profit organization, "I am Gracious."

The group's goal is to educate young people, especially young girls about the importance of waiting. Organizers said the statistics speak for themselves.

"When you look at STD rates Louisiana is one of the highest in the nation. We are actually number four for AIDS and number two for chlamydia and number six for teen pregnancy so we want to educate our youth," said Trista Ledet Ames, founder of "I am Gracious."

"We are very encouraged by the turnout. We are hoping to educate them and also kind of protect them so to speak so that they are more aware and will make more sound and informed decisions in the future," said Dee Dee Bates, "I am Gracious" board member.

More than 150 people took part in the walk, which was followed by several guest speakers.